Pratapgad Parikrama – A Thrilling Journey Through History, Jungle, and Adventure
Pratapgad Parikrama is one of the most exciting and challenging treks in the Sahyadri ranges, offering the perfect combination of dense forest trails, historical significance, steep climbs, exposed ridges, and breathtaking valley views. This trek is approximately 12–13 km long and starts from the base of Pratapgad.
The journey begins with a descent from the left side of the fort base towards through the famous “Chipechi Waat.” This section is relatively easy and passes through dense forest with a well-marked trail indicated by painted arrows. The peaceful surroundings and cool shade of the forest make this stretch very enjoyable. It takes around one hour to reach the temple.
Ramvardayini Mata Mandir is a serene and spiritually powerful place. The idol of Mata here holds importance in mythology and local belief, making the temple a significant stop during the trek.
From the temple, the trail continues on the right side, leading deeper into the dense Jawali forest. This part of the trek is filled with gradual climbs, traverses, and scenic jungle routes. Jawali forest holds great historical importance in the story of , as this region played a major role during many strategic battles.
The route is incredibly scenic, with thick greenery and many wild fruit trees like Karwand and Kokam adding to the beauty of the forest trail. After trekking for nearly 5 km through this peaceful jungle route, we reached Chirekhind on the Ambenali Ghat tar road.
From Chirekhind, the trek continues with around 2 km of road walking towards Navin Vihir. After this stretch, we found “Navin Vihir” (New Well) on the right side—and this is where the real challenge of the trek begins.
The next section is a brutally steep 70-degree climb with almost no tree cover. Loose rocks, dry grass, and exposed terrain make the climb both risky and physically exhausting. Under the harsh April heat, this patch becomes even tougher. Every step demands caution and stamina.
However, the reward after the climb is unforgettable—the panoramic view of Ambenali Ghat is simply breathtaking. The deep valleys, winding roads, and endless Sahyadri landscape make every drop of sweat worth it.
After this climb, the route once again enters the forest, offering some relief from the heat. But this section brings a new challenge—navigation. Since this trail is not frequently used by trekkers, the paths are unclear and often disappear completely.
On the right side lies the famous “Raki Chi Waat,” known to be one of the toughest routes around Pratapgad. Since it has not been used regularly for many years, locating it is extremely difficult. Another visible trail goes down towards Wada village, but that is not part of the Parikrama route.
We spent nearly one and a half hours searching for the correct trail. Finally, relying purely on trekking experience, terrain reading, and instinct, we managed to continue and complete the route back to Pratapgad base. That final section was one of the most adventurous and mentally challenging parts of the trek.
Pratapgad Parikrama is not just a trek—it is a complete experience of history, wilderness, endurance, and adventure. It tests your fitness, route-finding ability, patience, and confidence.
I strongly recommend not attempting this trek without good trekking experience, strong fitness, and most importantly, an experienced guide. Without proper guidance, getting lost in the Jawali jungle is very easy.
The best time to do this trek is from November to January, when the weather is pleasant and the trail is safer. It is strictly not advisable during monsoon or immediately after early monsoon due to slippery terrain, overgrown trails, and dangerous route conditions.
For serious trekkers, Pratapgad Parikrama remains one of the finest adventure treks in Sahyadri—raw, wild, and unforgettable.
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